Ngurunderi Dreaming

The story of Ngurunderi begins where the Darling and Murray Rivers meet and it is a story of how Ngurunderi chases his two wives who had run away after a quarrel, all the way to the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula. Along the journey Ngurunderi created plants, animals, land formations and the Mighty Murray River.

‘A long, long time ago Ngurunderi our Spiritual Ancestor chased Pondi, the giant Murray Cod, from the junction where the Darling and Murrundi (River Murray) meet. Back then, the River Murray was just a small stream and Pondi had nowhere to go. As Ngurunderi chased him in his bark canoe he went ploughing and crashing through the land and his huge body and tail created the mighty River Murray. When Ngurunderi and his brother-in-law Nepele caught Pondi at the place where the fresh and salt water meet they cut him up into many pieces, which became the fresh and salt water fish for the Ngarrindjeri people. To the last piece Ngurunderi said “You keep being a Pondi (Murray Cod).” As Ngurunderi travelled throughout our Country, he created landforms, waterways and life. He gave to his people the stories, meanings and laws associated with our lands and waters of his creation. He gave each Lakalinyeri (clan) our identity to our Yarluwar-Ruwe (country) and our Ngartjis (animals, birds, fish and plants) – who are our friends. Ngurunderi taught us how to hunt and gather our foods from the lands and waters. He taught us, don’t be greedy, don’t take any more than you need, and share with one another.’

Date of Creation | 17th Sep 2024
Size | W: 42cm x L 31.6cm
Medium | Acrylics (Jo Sonja Matte Flow) on cotton canvas.
Duration | 5hrs

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“Wai! Hello everyone my name is Jamii-Leah Gray and I am the owner of Yadu Arts. I am a 26 year old Wirangu/Kokatha, and Ngarrindjeri, Erawirung, Ngintait woman. I was born in Berri, SA and I grew up both in Ceduna and The Riverland, South Australia.

My artistic journey started from a young age, my childhood revolved around art—be it carving wood, sketching on paper, or drawing in the sand, I found joy in creating both big and small pieces.

Artistry runs in my family, spanning from my grandparents to the youngest generation. Observing my parents paint ignited my desire to pick up a brush myself. Art is my true passion, and I relish the opportunity to create something fresh for everyone to enjoy. I hope you cherish my artworks as much as I cherished the process of painting them." (Jamii-Leah Gray)

Jamii-Leah Gray is a contemporary Aboriginal artist living in The Riverland, South Australia. Her artwork deeply explores themes related to hunting and gathering, showcasing elements like waterholes, bush fruits, land lines, and native wildlife. Jamii-Leah is a highly talented artist whose paintings vividly depict stories of her community. Each piece is a unique masterpiece that showcases her exceptional skills in color, composition, and texture. Her artwork draws viewers into a visual journey, filled with rich and intricate narratives that celebrate her creativity.

Jamii-Leah's mother Cassandra Gray comes from the western part of South Australia and is associated with the Wirangu and Kokatha Aboriginal groups, while her father lives near the Murray River in the heart of the Riverland and belongs to the Ngarrindjeri, Erawirung, and Barkindji/Maraura & Ngintait Aboriginal groups.

Ceduna Arts acts as a vibrant art center where family members come together to craft and sell their artistic works. Throughout the last decade, many have showcased their skills in numerous exhibitions. Among the prominent artists in her family are Janine Gray, Cassandra Gray, Colette Gray, Desley Gray, Shondelle Gray and Sherrie Jones.

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